Europe – Designation of EU reference laboratories for high-risk in vitro diagnostic medical devices

On 5 December 2023, the European Commission adopted an implementing act designating 5 EU reference laboratories (EURLs) in the field of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs). These EURLs will be involved in conformity assessment of high-risk (class D) IVDs as well as carry out certain advisory tasks. The designated EURLs together cover the following categories of class D IVDs:

  • Hepatitis and retroviruses
  • Herpesviruses
  • Bacterial agents
  • Respiratory viruses that cause life-threatening diseases

The implementing act includes transitional arrangements to allow the EURLs to form a network and harmonise their working methods, and for manufacturers and notified bodies to adapt their processes to include EURL testing. The EURLs are expected to take up their tasks in conformity assessment of devices on 1 October 2024…